Simion, who leads a right-wing eurosceptic party, captured 40.9 percent of the vote. He is now headed for a run-off on May 18 against Nicusor Dan, the liberal mayor of Bucharest, who narrowly beat the candidate from Ciolacu’s Social Democrat Party (PSD), reports BBC.
Ciolacu, 57, told his party that the ruling coalition had failed in its goals and no longer held the public's trust. "Has no legitimacy," he said.
The result has added to political instability in the European Union and NATO member states. Emergency talks were held Monday between members of the outgoing coalition to consider next steps.
Ciolacu became prime minister earlier this year as part of a pro-EU alliance.
Simion, 38, became the frontrunner in the race after right wing candidate Calin Georgescu was barred from running. Georgescu had won the first round late last year, though this result was annulled by the courts following claims of Russian interference.
Simion voted on Sunday alongside Georgescu, telling voters the election was "about every Romanian who has been lied to, ignored, humiliated, and still has the strength to believe and defend our identity and rights.”
He has called for the restoration of Romania’s former borders which include parts of Moldova and Ukraine, both of which he is banned from entering.
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